Supports Green Practices

"Supports Green Initiatives" designates a hotel's participation in an optional environmental program that includes the use of energy-efficient lighting, guestroom towel/linen re-use, and on-premise recycling. "Supports Green Initiatives" does not represent an official certification of any kind.

Attractions

Spread across 7 acres, the Buda City Park is equipped with 2 pavilions that can be rented for parties, luncheons, seminars and community events. All year round, barbecues, festivals, dog shows and live concerts are held here.

South Park Meadows is a place that promises to be the next residential hot-spot. Although at present this area of around 465 acres of land, is scattered with a plethora of stores and eateries that have already enabled this place to gain tourist popularity. Shops ranging from clothing to lifestyle, makes for a wonderful shopping experience. Joints such as TGI and Cine Mark, make sure that you have a good time. Immaculately mowed lawns, and mini playhouse for the kids around the street serves to be a pleasant change. If that's not enough, one can also come down to catch some awesome concerts and rock shows.

This 344-acre park has an equestrian trail, a two-mile hike and bike trail, a fishing pier and an 18-hole disc golf course. Other sporting options include basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and soccer. So you can see, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park is usually bustling with guests on the weeknights and weekends, with visitors bringing food to grill in the barbecue pits. There is also a picnic pavilion to sit under for a shady lunch.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center was established by Lady Bird Johnson, First Lady of the United States from 1963-1969. This fabulous garden bearing her name brims with native Texas plants in courtyards, terraces, arbors and meadows. Along with a fantastic children's center, visitors can explore a visitors gallery, observation tower, café, gift store and nature trails. Enjoy award-winning architecture and fabulous scenery in this wonderful garden spot. Tours by appointment.

The McKinney Falls State Park, located in southeast Austin, at a short distance from the downtown area, is the ideal spot for a fun day out with family and friends. Whether you're into fitness and recreational sports, or just want to lounge about and have a leisurely day, this park is for you. This day park offers a number of activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, as well as fishing and swimming in the Onion Creek. The park also has a 500 year old cypress tree that is worth a visit. The park visitor center can provide you with all the required information.

Tucked away in the backyard of a residential neighborhood is the Cathedral of Junk, a work in progress over 20 years in the making. Created by Vince Hanneman, the Cathedral turns old and discarded items into an ever-evolving structural work of art. Using old tires, hubcaps, all manner of metal scraps, pipes and more, Hanneman works and reworks the multi-level space into a playground of sorts for adults and children alike. As far out as it is, the Cathedral of Junk is, surprisingly, invisible from the street in front of it — only upon entering the backyard are visitors met with the mass of tangled metal and functioning electric items.

(512) Brewing Company is a microbrewery that creates small batches of delicious beer that are inspired by Belgian and Old English flavors. These bold tasting brews are crafted mainly with local or organic ingredients, including local water that's rich with minerals. Reserve a spot on a tour of the brewery to learn more about the beer making process.

Radha Madhav Dham is one of the biggest Hindu temples and ashrams in the entire United States, having been first established in 1990. Covering 200 acres, the Radha Madhav Dham attempts to represent the place in India where Radhi Rana and Shree Krishna first appeared over 5000 years ago. On a visit to the temple, visitors can see the beautiful, decorative architecture of the 35,000 square foot temple, stroll along beautiful paths through the lush garden, and meditate in the peaceful, holy environment. Radha Madhav Dham is truly a unique place in Austin. As it is also an ashram, people may reserve rooms for a more extended visit.

The Shree Raseshwari Radaha Rani Temple, part of the Barsana Ashram, is the largest Hindu temple in North America. This striking building was constructed by Hindu artisans and is part of a 230-acre property designed to reproduce the holy land of Braj in India. The Barsana Dham is the main U.S. center of the International Society of Divine Love and is designed to allow worshipers to explore the true devotional environment of historical Ashrams. This was the first Hindu temple built in Austin and it serves as both a place of worship and a center for traditional Indian cultural activities.

Architect Nicholas J. Clayton of Galveston designed the beautiful main building (1888) in a Gothic Revival style with Texas white limestone. A fire destroyed most of the main building in 1903 and after being rebuilt, it was again severely damaged by a tornado in 1922. The University received its charter in 1925. Since that time, the academic programs have grown to include business administration, theater arts and an innovative undergraduate program for adults. The graduate school includes a Master of Arts in Human Services, Photo communications, International Studies, Communication, Business, Theater and Spanish/Liberal Arts.

Cross the river from downtown and enter the wonderful South Congress Avenue District. Browse through its many shops and check out eateries that tantalize the taste buds and the pocketbooks. Check out Uncommon Objects, a wonderful import and knick knack shop, or The Armadillo Market, which carries everything Texas. For the famished shopper, there are more than enough options: Tex-Mex at Guerro's or the eclectic Magnolia Café are all favorites with the locals. After a cup of coffee or lunch, you should browse the retro resale shops along the avenue.

The studio and home of artist James Edward Talbot is known as Casa Neverlandia, as everything from its exterior to the art displayed inside represents something out of this world. Once you're done exploring the house, take the plank bridge to the tree house in the back yard, then take the firefighter pole back down to ground level. The museum is open by appointment only, and is definitely worth the planning ahead. The entire house is "green", as in solar panels and the like, so it is definitely a treat for the eco-friendly! Check out his website to know more about Talbot and call to book your visit!